AP PSYCHOLOGY: Modules 2.8a-2.8d

Intelligence

The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills to reason, solve problems, and adapt to new situations.

General Intelligence (g)

A single underlying factor proposed by Spearman that influences performance across all intellectual tasks.

Multiple Abilities (in reference to Intelligence)

The idea that intelligence is made up of distinct abilities (such as verbal, spatial, musical, or interpersonal) rather than one general factor.

Chronological Age

A person’s actual age in years, months, and days since birth.

Sternberg Triarchic Theory

A theory proposing three types of intelligence: analytical (problem-solving), creative (novel thinking), and practical (everyday tasks).

Cattell Horn Carroll Theory of Intelligence

A hierarchical model that combines fluid intelligence (reasoning and problem-solving) and crystallized intelligence (knowledge and experience) along with many specific abilities.

Psychometrics

The scientific study of measuring mental abilities and psychological traits.

Intelligence Tests (Achievement vs. Aptitude)

Achievement tests measure what a person has learned

IQ (Intelligence Quotient)

A numerical score derived from standardized tests that compare mental age to chronological age or population norms.

Mental Age vs. Chronological Age

Mental age is the level of intellectual performance typical of a certain age

Flynn Effect

The observed rise in average IQ scores over generations, likely due to improved education, nutrition, and environment.

Standardized

Administered and scored in a consistent, uniform way to allow comparison between test-takers.

Validity (in relation to IQ tests)

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Predictive Validity

How well a test predicts future performance or behavior.

Constructive Validity

How well a test truly measures the psychological concept it’s intended to assess.

Reliability

The consistency of a test’s results over time or across different forms.

Test-Retest Reliability

The stability of test results when the same test is given to the same people at different times.

Split-Half Reliability

The degree to which two halves of the same test produce similar results.

Longitudinal Study

A research method that studies the same group of individuals over an extended period of time.

Cross-Sectional Study

A research method that compares people of different ages at a single point in time.

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that intelligence and abilities are static and unchangeable.

Stereotype Threat

When awareness of a negative stereotype causes anxiety and leads to decreased performance.

Stereotype Lift

When awareness of a positive stereotype leads to improved performance.